There’s something truly magical about the creamy texture and refreshing zing of peppermint wrapped up in rich chocolate goodness. This Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Recipe is a simple yet indulgent treat that instantly transports me to cozy winter evenings. It’s so worth making, especially when you want something festive and comforting without fuss.

A wooden board holds two types of chocolate fudge squares arranged in two piles; the pile on the left shows fudge pieces topped with crushed red and white peppermint candy, giving a festive look with speckled patterns on the smooth, dark chocolate surface, while the pile on the right has plain dark chocolate fudge squares with a glossy and solid texture. The board rests on a white marbled surface, next to a striped black and white cloth casually spread around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore this Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Recipe because it’s not only a breeze to make but also brings that perfect balance of minty freshness and deep chocolate richness that keeps everyone coming back for more. It feels fancy, but it’s really just good, honest ingredients coming together seamlessly.

Simple Ingredients: You just need a few pantry staples that combine beautifully—no complicated sauces or rare items.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes, this fudge is perfect for last-minute gifts or holiday parties.
Customizable: Whether you like it classic or with a little extra crunch, it’s easy to put your own spin on this recipe.
Perfectly Festive: The peppermint extract and optional crushed candy canes give it that seasonal sparkle we all crave.

A pile of thick rectangular chocolate fudge pieces stacked on a wooden board is shown. Each piece has a smooth, dense dark brown base layer topped with crushed red and white peppermint candy bits scattered unevenly on the surface. The edges of the fudge blocks are straight with some small cracks visible. In the background, a white and dark striped cloth is slightly out of focus. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Recipe is carefully chosen for smooth texture and bold flavor. Using sweetened condensed milk keeps the fudge silky without extra fuss, while peppermint extract delivers just the right fresh punch.

Flat lay of a small mound of glossy semi sweet chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick sweetened condensed milk, a chunk of pale yellow butter, a tiny white bowl holding clear peppermint extract liquid, and a handful of crushed red and white mini candy cane pieces, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: They melt easily and provide a rich, not-too-sweet chocolate base perfect for balancing mint.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds creaminess and sweetness which helps create that classic fudgy texture.
Butter: Gives richness and helps the fudge set nicely while keeping it soft and creamy.
Peppermint extract: The star for that refreshing mint flavor without overpowering the chocolate.
Mini candy canes (optional): Crushed on top, they add texture and a festive look—plus an extra minty kick.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to your taste. I sometimes swap the semi-sweet chips for dark chocolate if I’m craving a more intense flavor, or skip the candy canes for a smoother bite.

Variation: Adding a swirl of white chocolate before chilling creates a stunning marbled effect that’s gorgeous and tasty.
Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan butter for a peppermint fudge everyone can enjoy.
Extra crunch: Stir in chopped nuts or peppermint candies for some bite and fun texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate Mixture Gently

I start by combining the sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and butter in a medium glass bowl. Then, pop it in the microwave for 90 seconds. Stir really well — the chocolate should be melting into a smooth, glossy mass. If it’s a bit stubborn, zap it for an additional 15 seconds, but be careful not to burn it. If you prefer, a double boiler works just as well and gives you great control over the heat.

Step 2: Stir in Peppermint Extract

Once the chocolate is fully melted and glossy, I add ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract and stir vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth. This is the moment the kitchen starts smelling heavenly—peppermint and chocolate mingling perfectly.

Step 3: Spread and Chill

Next, I pour the fudge mixture onto a parchment-lined tray and spread it evenly to about one inch thick. If I’m feeling festive, I sprinkle crushed mini candy canes over the top for that classic peppermint crunch and sprinkle look. Then, I place it in the fridge to chill until firm—usually about 2 hours or overnight if I have the patience.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Once chilled, I use a sharp knife to carefully cut the fudge into small squares. I find about 36 pieces work perfectly for sharing. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay wonderfully fresh for up to a week.

Top Tip

From my experience, the biggest difference in your Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Recipe comes from how you melt and combine your ingredients. Taking just a little more care here results in that perfect velvety texture we all adore.

Slow, gentle melting: Avoid overheating your chocolate by using short bursts in the microwave and stirring frequently, or opt for a double boiler for even more control.
Trust your stir: Stirring until perfectly smooth helps avoid graininess and ensures a creamy finish—don't rush this part.
Parchment-line your tray: Makes clean-up a breeze and helps you lift the fudge out easily for slicing later on.
Use fresh peppermint extract: Mint flavor can get dull over time, so using fresh extract really wakes up the fudge.

How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Recipe

peppermint chocolate fudge - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my peppermint fudge with crushed candy canes because they not only add a sweet crunch but visually scream holiday cheer. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of edible glitter to really wow guests at parties—it’s surprisingly magical under twinkle lights.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs beautifully with a simple cup of hot cocoa or spiced coffee. At holiday gatherings, I serve it alongside gingerbread cookies or a citrusy fruit salad for that fresh contrast against the fudgy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, I arrange the fudge squares in festive tins lined with parchment paper, adding a ribbon and a candy cane on top for an inviting look. For parties, stacking them on a tiered dessert tray with some fresh evergreen sprigs really amps up the holiday vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cut, store your peppermint fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I find it stays moist and creamy for about a week, which is plenty of time to enjoy or share. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing

Freezing fudge works wonderfully! Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them together in a freezer-safe container. When I’ve frozen mine, the flavor stays fresh and the texture recovers beautifully after thawing overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Since fudge is best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t usually necessary. However, if you prefer it softer, leaving the pieces out for 10-15 minutes at room temp is enough to take the chill off without losing any texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will make the fudge sweeter and creamier, but keep in mind it’s less intense than semi-sweet. Adjust the amount of peppermint extract if you want the mint flavor to punch through more.

Why is my fudge grainy?

Graininess typically happens if the sugar crystals don’t dissolve fully or if the mixture overheats. Make sure to melt ingredients gently and stir continuously until smooth. Using sweetened condensed milk helps minimize this risk.

How long does peppermint fudge last?

Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, peppermint fudge lasts about one week. For longer storage, freeze it as individual pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

Can I make this Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Recipe without candy canes?

Yes! The candy canes are optional and just add texture and festive flair. The fudge will still taste delicious without them if you prefer a smooth, classic mint-chocolate flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Recipe holds a special place in my heart every holiday season because it’s like a little homemade gift of happiness—simple to make, fun to share, and filled with nostalgic flavors. I really encourage you to give it a try; once you get the hang of its easy steps, you’ll have a delicious go-to treat that impresses with minimal effort.